Shepard Fairey, born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1970, is a renowned contemporary street artist, graphic designer, and activist. He gained international recognition through his "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" sticker campaign, which evolved into the iconic "OBEY" series. Fairey's bold, graphic style and use of propaganda-inspired imagery have made his work instantly recognizable. His breakthrough came in 2008 with the "HOPE" poster for Barack Obama's presidential campaign, a piece that became a symbol of the election and cemented his status in the art world. Educated at the Rhode Island School of Design, Fairey's work spans various mediums, including murals, prints, and installations, often exploring themes of social justice, political corruption, and environmental issues.

Beyond his street art, Fairey is the founder of the creative agency Studio Number One and the co-founder of the fashion label OBEY Clothing. His work has been exhibited in prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Fairey continues to be an influential figure in contemporary art, using his platform to advocate for various causes and inspire social change. His ability to blend art with activism has garnered him numerous accolades and a lasting impact on both the art community and popular culture.

Several issues are at play. The challenges confronting our oceans are intertwined and overlapping, which makes them even more difficult to address and places additional strain on marine species and habitats.